I took this class when it was offered last November/December. For the class I decided not to use a regular garment pattern, but a McCall’s fitting shell that I started working on (about 20% completed but was dragging my feet for several months and not working on it), but didn’t finish. Shannon said this was a fitting class, so I felt using my fitting shell was a natural for it.

This was an awesome class! I learned so much about my body quirks that I could not have discovered on my own. Shannon first has the class participants work on a neck/shoulder template because “everything hangs from the shoulders”. It really *is* imperative to get the fit right from this point. I learned so much from this template alone—my right shoulder is more forward then the left requiring more ease, my left neck is a bit thicker than the right, and my jewel neckline was too big. These are three things that I never knew before. Those three things alone have helped me so much. Now I cut two backs for my garments to get a better fit and to accommodate my asymmetry. The smaller neckline is producing amazing results for me with my garments as well. Funny how such a simple adjustment can make so much of a difference. Other things I’ve learned along the way—about how much to account for in a tuck for my hollow chest, about how much to remove from the front armhole to eliminate the “gap”, redrawing my armholes, knowing that I probably don’t really need much of a high-round back adjustment and that my smaller neckline is taking care of that issue quite well.

Shannon helped me examine back issues. In my muslin fitting shell, I let out the back outlet tucks 1”. During the fitting we had to take out a lot of that width in the mid to lower back. Now I realize I can probably get away with less of a tuck—maybe a half inch instead. Did I mention narrow shoulders yet? Got those as well and have to adjust for them with my back being wider than the front (got the forward shoulder thing going on) with the seams trued at the shoulder.

SOOOO much I learned from this class! It really helped me fill in the fitting “gaps” that I’ve been having and how to adjust for them, in addition to so many things I didn’t realize I needed adjusting for. All the adjustments I’ve learned about have been put to use by further alterating my jacket pattern for the Speed Tailoring class. I think there will be a noticeable fit difference between S-4698 version I made in the SNF class versus the same pattern I’m using for the Speed Tailoring class (although with a notched collar).

For the many people out there that are dealing with fitting issues, I highly recommend this class *especially* with a fitting shell. ¼” Gingham fabric is so helpful to use in identifying fit problems and grainline issues as well. You will learn so much about your body with an incredible amount of useful information you can apply to your pattern alterations. Just make sure you are comfortable with uploading pictures or linking them to your own personal website when posting on the Q&A boards. IMO, having a digital camera and being able to upload your pics is a must for the class.

If your 2006 sewing goal is to nail down some of your fitting problems, TAKE THIS CLASS! You will love it—I did!

Miss Fairchild said... (5/3/06 8:51 AM)ReplyOOOOh! I see on the horizon me taking another class....oooh! Great review!!!!

bettymongolier said... (4/1/06 1:27 PM)ReplyI am new to the site. I just read Ryan's Mom's reviewan excited to learn how much she has learned in this class, Making a Muslim. I have an account forBegin to Sew, but I can't seem to find out when the class starts. I might be over looking it. Also i think i need help in downloading. I joined yesterday March 31,2006. bjm

ryan's mom said... (2/12/06 7:11 PM)ReplyNancy, (you *must* post more! :) ) you don't really need a fitting partner if your camera has a timer. That's the only thing I needed someone for--to take pictures of me in my muslin to post on the Q&A boards. But if you have a good tripod or table and can set the timer on the digital camera, that would work just as well.

ndesimon said... (2/12/06 4:09 PM)ReplyGreat review! Is it feasible to do the 'homework' for this class without a fitting partner? I'm intrigued!

MAB.AZ said... (2/11/06 9:59 AM)ReplyI took this class with Ryan's Mom and second her raves. Yes, you can take a fitting class over the internet and yes Shannon can tell from a photo what you need to tweak. Sometimes it's counterintuitive to what you may think, but she's always right. It still amazes me what 1/4 inch change can do.